CN117651908A

CN117651908A - Lighting device

Info

Publication number: CN117651908A
Application number: CN202280049730.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 米泽元; 宫尾雅
Original assignee: Sony Group Corp
Current assignee: Sony Group Corp
Priority date: 2021-07-21
Filing date: 2022-03-10
Publication date: 2024-03-05
Also published as: JPWO2023002675A1; EP4375746A1; WO2023002675A1; TW202307534A

Abstract

The lighting device according to the present technology includes: a light source unit having a light emitting portion that emits light; a phase modulation unit performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit; and a control unit that makes light from the light source unit incident for each of the regions at different timings, and makes modulation driving start at a timing before a light incidence period of each of the regions, for a plurality of regions obtained by dividing a phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit.

Description

Lighting device

Technical Field

The present technology relates to an illumination device for obtaining illumination light, and more particularly, to an illumination device for obtaining illumination light having a desired light intensity distribution by applying spatial light phase modulation to incident light from a light source unit.

Background

In recent years, in the field of image display devices, techniques for increasing dynamic range have been proposed, and in particular, high Dynamic Range (HDR) standards have attracted attention. The HDR standard is an image signal format in which the gray scale representation of the low luminance portion is extended and the peak luminance is high. In conventional image signal formats, the luminance expression is up to about 100cd/m ² (candela per square meter), but currently the demand for high luminance expressions is several tens of times higher than luminance expressions.

The following patent document 1 discloses a technique in which a laser light source and a spatial light phase modulator (hereinafter also referred to as "phase modulator") for modulating the phase of light are used to manipulate a light beam emitted from the laser light source in accordance with an image signal, and light of a dark subject is condensed to a bright subject to generate projector illumination light in accordance with the brightness distribution of the image. A method of realizing an image having a wide dynamic range by making illumination light incident on a spatial light intensity modulator (hereinafter also referred to as "intensity modulator") such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is proposed.

Here, it can be said that the method of making the illumination light generated by the phase modulator as described above incident on the intensity modulator aims to have an effect similar to that of performing the area division driving of the backlight in the liquid crystal television (television receiver).

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2018-532152

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Here, in order to generate an image imparting a desired light intensity distribution using a phase modulator, it may be necessary to modulate the phase of light by 2Ω or more.

As a phase modulator capable of modulating the phase of light by 2 pi or more, a device using liquid crystal (liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS)) is currently mainstream. In general, in order to modulate a phase by 2 pi or more, it is necessary to increase a phase difference, and this is achieved by using a liquid crystal material having a large refractive index difference Δn or by doubling the thickness of a liquid crystal layer. In the conventional liquid crystal material of which the modulation amount is pi, the refractive index difference Δn is at most about 1.5, however, a liquid crystal material of which the refractive index difference Δn is large is currently about Δn=2.0, which is not twice as large. When the refractive index difference Δn increases, the reliability of the liquid crystal material itself decreases, and there is a problem before actual use. That is, in order to modulate the phase by 2 pi or more, the design in which the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer is twice or more is more realistic.

On the other hand, it is known that the response speed of the liquid crystal panel decreases according to the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer, and when the thickness d becomes 2 times, the response speed becomes 2 ² =4 times. In the case of current LCOS, the actual speed is about 10msec, and thus, a phase modulator of 2 pi or more phase modulation has an operating speed of about 40 msec. This means that the response to 60fps (16 msec) as a general frame rate cannot be completed, and in the case of using such a phase modulator, crosstalk in the time direction occurs in illumination light (reproduced image serving as a backlight) serving as a backlight, which leads to degradation of the image quality of the projected image.

In order to prevent occurrence of crosstalk caused by the response speed of the phase modulator as described above, for example, as disclosed in patent document 1, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of phase modulators and use the plurality of phase modulators in a time-division manner, but providing the plurality of phase modulators causes an increase in the size of the optical system, which is undesirable.

In view of the above, the present technology has been proposed, with an object of achieving miniaturization of an optical system and reducing crosstalk of a reproduced image in a time direction in an illumination apparatus that obtains a reproduced image for illumination by applying spatial light phase modulation to incident light from a light source unit.

Solution to the problem

The lighting device according to the present technology includes: a light source unit including a light emitting unit emitting light; a phase modulation unit performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit; and a control unit that makes light from the light source unit incident for each of the plurality of regions obtained by dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit at different timings, and starts modulation driving for each of the regions at a timing before a light incidence period.

Thereby, the phase modulation unit can output a reproduction image different for each region in a time division manner.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting device as a first embodiment according to the present technology.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of image reproduction by spatial phase modulation.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the relay optical system 4 included in the lighting device as an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing the dependence of the response speed of the liquid crystal panel on the thickness.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an emission image of a reproduced image of each region in the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a coordinate system of a phase modulation region and a domain on the phase modulation surface and a coordinate system of an irradiation region on the intensity modulation surface.

Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between a phase distribution of the entire phase modulation region and an intensity distribution achieved by the phase distribution in the irradiation region.

Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between the phase distribution of the domain and the intensity distribution achieved by the phase distribution in the irradiation region.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing addition of a lens component to a scaled phase distribution.

Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in the case where the lighting device of the first embodiment is adopted in a conventional configuration.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram as a control method of the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting device as the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in the case where the lighting device of the second embodiment is adopted in a conventional configuration.

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram as a control method of the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a control method in the case where phase modulation corresponding to white is performed in the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting device as the third embodiment.

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the light shift unit according to this embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in the case where a conventional configuration is adopted in the lighting device of the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a control method of the third embodiment.

Fig. 20 is an explanatory view of another example of the light source unit in the third embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting device as the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a control method of the third embodiment.

Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a control method corresponding to the case where the three-plate configuration is adopted.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lighting device as a modification of the number of area divisions of 4.

Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a control method in the lighting device shown in fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is an explanatory diagram of uneven division of areas.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a layout embodiment of areas of respective colors.

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an optical system in the case of using a reflection phase modulation unit.

Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration of a lighting device as a modification of adding an SDR light source.

Fig. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of an SDR light source.

Fig. 31 is an explanatory view of an illumination device as a modification using a transmissive spatial light intensity modulator.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1 > first embodiment

(1-1. Configuration of Lighting device)

(1-2. Control method as first embodiment)

(1-3. Phase modulation)

(1-4. Specific control method)

<2 > second embodiment

<3 > third embodiment

<4 > fourth embodiment

<5 > modification example

<6. Summary of embodiments >

<7 > this technology

<1 > first embodiment

(1-1. Configuration of Lighting device)

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a projector apparatus 1 as a first embodiment of an illumination apparatus according to the present technology.

As shown, the projector apparatus 1 includes a light source unit 2, a phase modulation Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) 3, a relay optical system 4, a prism 5, an intensity modulation Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) 6, a projection lens 7, and a control unit 8.

The projector apparatus 1 is configured such that the phase modulation SLM 3 performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit 2 to reproduce a desired image (light intensity distribution) on the intensity modulation surface Sp of the intensity modulation SLM 6. That is, compared with the case where a projected image is generated by only spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation SLM 6, projector illumination light corresponding to the luminance distribution of an image is generated by collecting light of a dark object in an image to be displayed onto a bright object, thereby expanding the dynamic range.

Here, for confirmation, a principle of image reproduction by spatial phase modulation is described with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 schematically shows the relationship among each light beam incident on the phase modulation surface Sm of the phase modulation SLM 3, the wavefront of the phase distribution in the phase modulation SLM 3, each light beam after phase modulation, and the light intensity distribution formed on the intensity modulation surface Sp by each light beam after phase modulation.

First, as a precondition, the wavefront of the phase distribution in the phase modulation SLM 3 draws a smooth curve as shown by using a freeform (freeform) method. By the spatial light phase modulation in the phase modulation SLM 3, each incident light beam is refracted to travel in the normal direction of the wavefront of the phase distribution. Due to this refraction, a portion where the optical density increases and a portion where the beam density becomes sparse are formed on the intensity modulation surface Sp, thereby forming a light intensity distribution on the intensity modulation surface Sp.

According to this principle, a desired image can be reproduced on the intensity modulation surface Sp by means of a pattern of phase distribution provided in the phase modulation SLM 3.

In the conventional projection apparatus, an image is generated by applying spatial light intensity modulation of an intensity modulation SLM to light from a light source, but in the spatial light intensity modulation, a part of incident light from the light source is shielded or darkened, so there are cases where the utilization efficiency of light is low and it is difficult to achieve high contrast. By performing reproduced image generation by spatial light phase modulation as described above, light of a dark object to be masked or darkened can be collected as a bright object, so that the efficiency of light utilization can be improved, and high contrast (expansion of dynamic range) can be achieved.

In fig. 1, a light source unit 2 serves as a light source of incident light to the phase modulation SLM 3. In this example, the light source unit 2 includes a light emitting unit 2r, a light emitting unit 2g, and a light emitting unit 2b each configured to emit light of a different color. The light emitting unit 2R emits red (R) light, the light emitting unit 2G emits green (G) light, and the light emitting unit 2B emits blue (B) light.

In this example, for example, laser light emitting elements are used as the light emitting elements of the light emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b.

The phase modulation SLM 3 includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light.

It should be noted that the details of the spatial light phase modulation of the phase modulation SLM 3 in the embodiment will be described again later.

The relay optical system 4 guides the light phase-modulated by the spatial light of the phase modulation SLM 3 to the prism 5.

As shown, the light emitted from the relay optical system 4 is incident on the intensity modulation surface Sp of the intensity modulation SLM 6 via the prism 5.

For example, the intensity modulation SLM 6 is a Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS), and performs spatial light intensity modulation on incident light.

Note that a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) may also be used as the intensity modulation SLM 6. In the case of the transmissive type, for example, a transmissive type liquid crystal panel may be used.

The light subjected to the spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation SLM 6 is reflected by the reflecting surface of the prism 5 and is incident on the projection lens 7.

The projection lens 7 projects the light subjected to the spatial light intensity modulation of the intensity modulation SLM 6 onto an object such as a screen Sc, thereby projecting a reproduced image corresponding to the input image onto the object.

Here, a configuration example of the relay optical system 4 will be described with reference to fig. 3.

The relay optical system 4 is provided with a lens 41, a diffusion sheet 42, a lens 43, and a lens 44. The lens 41, the diffusion sheet 42, the lens 43, and the lens 44 are arranged in order from the phase modulation SLM 3 to the prism 5 side.

Each light beam emitted from the phase modulation SLM 3 is incident on a diffusion plate 42 via a lens 41. The diffusion sheet 42 is disposed on the virtual surface Sd. The virtual surface Sd is a surface having a conjugate relationship with the intensity modulation surface Sp in the intensity modulation SLM 6 and the projection target surface (in this embodiment, the surface of the screen Sc) of the projection lens 7.

The light passing through the diffusion sheet 42 enters the prism 5 shown in fig. 1 through the lens 43 and the lens 44.

Here, a reproduced image by the phase modulation SLM 3 is obtained on the virtual surface Sd, such as on the intensity modulation surface Sp. Although not shown in detail, each light beam emitted from the phase modulation SLM 3 is focused on the virtual surface Sd, the diffusion sheet 42 provided on the virtual surface Sd reduces the etendue (light beam cross-sectional area) on the virtual surface Sd, and improves the safety of eyes and skin.

Note that the configuration of the optical system in the projector apparatus 1 is not limited thereto, and an image may be generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp without passing through the diffusion sheet 42.

Returning to fig. 1.

The control unit 8 includes a light source control unit 9, a target intensity distribution calculation unit 10, a phase pattern calculation unit 11, a drive control unit 12, a drive control unit 13, and an intensity pattern calculation unit 14.

The light source control unit 9 performs light emission operation control of the light emitting units included in the light source unit 2. Specifically, in this example, ON/OFF (OFF) control (light emission/non-light emission control) is performed for each of the light emitting units 2r, 2g, 2b provided in the light source unit 2.

The drive control unit 12 includes a drive circuit for driving the phase modulation SLM 3. The drive control unit 12 is configured to be able to drive each pixel of the phase modulation SLM 3 individually.

Similarly, the drive control unit 13 includes a drive circuit for driving the intensity modulation SLM 6, and is capable of individually driving the individual pixels of the intensity modulation SLM 6.

The target intensity distribution calculating unit 10 performs processing of obtaining the light intensity distribution of the reproduced image generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp as a target intensity distribution based on the image data. The calculation of the target intensity distribution is performed at least in units of frames, and in the case of displaying subframes for each color such as R, G and B for one frame period, for example, the target intensity distribution for each color is calculated.

As described above, the reproduced image generated on the intensity modulation surface Sp corresponds to the area division-driven backlight in a liquid crystal television (television receiver) or the like, and the target intensity distribution mentioned here approximates to an image in which the low-frequency component of the input image is extracted.

The phase pattern calculation unit 11 calculates a phase modulation pattern (phase distribution: information representing the phase of each pixel) to be set in the phase modulation SLM 3 based on the target intensity distribution calculated by the target intensity distribution calculation unit 10.

Note that the phase modulation pattern (pattern) for achieving the target intensity distribution is calculated based on a free form method in this example, but details thereof will be described again later.

The drive control unit 13 drives the phase modulation SLM 3 according to the phase modulation pattern calculated by the phase pattern calculation unit 11.

The intensity pattern calculation unit 14 calculates an intensity modulation pattern to be set in the intensity modulation SLM 6 based on the image data and the target intensity distribution calculated by the target intensity distribution calculation unit 10. In the present example, the spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation SLM 6 corresponds to imparting a high frequency component to the reproduced image output to the intensity modulation surface Sp by the phase modulation SLM 3, and the calculation of the intensity modulation pattern here approximates to an image in which the high frequency component of the input image data is extracted based on the input image data and the target intensity distribution (corresponding to the low frequency component of the image).

In the case where sub-frame images of a plurality of colors are to be displayed within one frame period, the intensity pattern calculation unit 14 calculates an intensity modulation pattern for each sub-frame image.

The drive control unit drives the intensity modulation SLM 6 according to the intensity modulation pattern calculated by the intensity pattern calculation unit 14.

(1-2. Control method as first embodiment)

Here, in order to generate an image giving a desired light intensity distribution using the phase modulation SLM, it may be necessary to modulate the phase of light by more than 2pi, and for this purpose, it is required that the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer of the phase modulation SLM is more than twice as high as that of the conventional case.

However, the response speed of the liquid crystal panel may decrease by the thickness d.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for describing the dependence of the response speed of the liquid crystal panel on the thickness d, and shows the response characteristic of an intensity modulation SLM having a general thickness d (a of fig. 4) and the response characteristic of a phase modulation SLM having a thickness d approximately twice as thick as the intensity modulation SLM (B of fig. 4).

Therefore, there is a possibility that the phase modulation SLM cannot respond to 60fps (16 msec) as a general frame rate and crosstalk in the time direction occurs to the illumination light (reproduced image) of the illumination intensity modulation surface Sp, which results in degradation of the image quality of the projected image.

In order to prevent occurrence of crosstalk caused by the response speed of the phase modulation SLM as described above, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of phase modulation SLMs and use the plurality of phase modulation SLMs in a time-division manner, but it is not desirable to provide a plurality of phase modulation SLMs because this leads to an increase in the size of the optical system.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method is adopted in which the phase modulation surface Sm in the phase modulation SLM 3 is divided into a plurality of areas Ar, light from the light source unit 2 is made incident for each area Ar at different timings, and modulation driving is started at a timing before the light incidence period of each area Ar.

In the present example, it is assumed that subframes of three colors R, G and B are output within one frame period, and corresponding thereto, the light source unit 2 is provided with the light emitting unit 2r, the light emitting unit 2g, and the light emitting unit 2B.

In the present example, the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with the reproduced image from each of the different areas Ar of the phase modulation SLM 3 in each of the sub-frame periods R, G and B. Specifically, during the sub-frame period of R, the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with the reproduced image of the specific area Ar of the phase modulation SLM 3, and during the sub-frame period of G, the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with the reproduced image from the other area Ar of the phase modulation SLM 3. Further, during the sub-frame period of B, the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with a reproduced image from the further area Ar of the phase modulation SLM 3.

Thus, in the present example, the phase modulation surface Sm in the phase modulation SLM 3 is divided into three. The divided three regions Ar are a first region Ar1, a second region Ar2, and a third region Ar3.

Further, in the present example, the optical system is configured such that the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with an image reproduced by R light in a subframe period of R, an image reproduced by G light in a subframe period of G, and an image reproduced by B light in a subframe period of B, and light from the light emitting unit 2R, light from the light emitting unit 2G, and light from the light emitting unit 2B are incident on the first region Ar1, the second region Ar2, and the third region Ar3, respectively.

Fig. 5 shows an emission image of a reproduced image of each region Ar in the first embodiment.

As shown in a to C of fig. 5, in order not to cause crosstalk with respect to the reproduced image in the spatial direction, light is emitted from each region Ar so that the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with each reproduced image.

For this purpose, it is sufficient if the spatial light phase modulation is performed in each region Ar such that a lens effect is provided that serves to change at least one of the direction of the light beam emitted from each region Ar and the beam size (from the light beam incident before each region Ar).

(1-3. Phase modulation)

Hereinafter, a method of deriving a phase modulation pattern for reproducing a desired light intensity distribution on the intensity modulation surface Sp including the above-described lens effect will be described with reference to fig. 6 to 9.

As described above, as a method for obtaining the phase distribution of the reproduction target light intensity distribution, a free-form method is known. The free-form method is a generic term for methods based on ray optics to obtain a phase distribution for rendering a desired image.

Hereinafter, a method of obtaining the phase distribution of each region Ar based on the free form method will be described. Note that in the following description, the concept of "domain Dm" is used, and this is a concept corresponding to "region Ar".

First, as shown in fig. 6, here, for convenience of description, a coordinate system (x, y) in a phase-modulatable region on the phase modulation surface Sm, a coordinate system (x ', y') in a domain Dm of the phase modulation surface, and a coordinate system (ux, uy) in an irradiation region (region irradiated with a reproduced image) on the intensity modulation surface Sp are defined. Further, the offset amount of the position of the domain Dm with respect to the phase modulation region is set to (Δx, Δy), and the region reduction magnification of the domain Dm with respect to the phase modulation region is set to r (r > 2). Further, the distance between the phase modulating surface Sm and the intensity modulating surface Sp is defined as f.

The phase distribution P of the light beam is obtained by a free form method, which is associated one-to-one from the entire phase modulation region to the illumination region. Point (x, y) = (x) incident on phase modulation region ₁ ，y ₁ ) The refractive effect received by the upper beam from the phase profile P is determined by the gradient vector,

[ mathematics 1]

At point (x, y) = (x ₁ ，y ₁ ) Displacement of the phase distribution P at, and the point (ux, uy) = (ux) where the beam penetrates the projection plane ₁ ，uy ₁ ) And a point (x, y) = (x) on the phase modulation surface Sm ₁ ，y ₁ ) The displacement in the in-plane direction between them is represented by the following [ expression 2]]Given as the product of the gradient vector and the distance f.

[ math figure 2]

Therefore, the correspondence between the point at which the specific light beam subjected to the refraction effect of the phase distribution P passes through the phase modulation surface Sm and the point at which the light beam passes through the intensity modulation surface Sp is given by [ expression 3].

[ math 3]

The phase distribution given over the domain Dm is referred to as "P'".

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the intensity distribution achieved in the irradiation region by refracting the light beam incident on the entire phase modulation region by the phase distribution P is referred to as "I", and the intensity distribution achieved in the irradiation region by refracting the light beam incident on the domain Dm of the phase distribution P 'is referred to as "I'". The condition that the phase profile P 'should meet is that the intensity profile I and the intensity profile I' match.

Here, as shown in fig. 8, any point on the domain Dm is set as a point a ', and its coordinates are set as (x ', y ') = (s _x ，s _y ). Further, a point at which the light beam subjected to the refraction effect by the phase distribution P ' at the point a ' passes through the intensity modulation surface Sp is defined as a point B '.

Further, as shown in fig. 7, the coordinates (x, y) = (r·s) with respect to the point a = (x, y) = (r·s) _x ，r·s _y ) A point on the phase modulation region in the correspondence of (a) is defined as a point a, and a point at which the light beam subjected to the refractive effect of the phase distribution P passes through the intensity modulation surface Sp is defined as a point B.

In order to match the intensity distribution I and the intensity distribution I ', only the phase distribution P ' needs to be determined so that the point B and the point B ' match. It is assumed that there is a phase distribution P 'satisfying such a condition, as described in [ expression 2], that the product of the gradient vector of the phase distribution P' at the point a 'and the distance f coincides with the displacement between the point B and the point a' in the in-plane direction, but the coordinates of the point B are calculated using the expression on the left side of [ expression 3], and

[ mathematics 4]

Obtained. Note that the coordinates of the point a' in the (x, y) coordinate system are (x, y) =(s) _x +Δx，s _y +Δy), the following [ expression 5 ] is obtained]As a conditional expression satisfied by the phase distribution P'.

[ math 5]

When [ expression 3] is used, [ expression 5] is rewritten as [ expression 6] below.

[ math figure 6]

Here, since the point a' is any point on the domain Dm, a conditional expression is obtained, such as by being in [ expression 6]]Will(s) _x ，s _y ) The following [ expression 7] obtained by rewriting (x ', y')]。

[ math 7]

When the rotation field of (x ', y') on the right side of [ expression 7] is calculated, the following [ expression 8] is obtained.

[ math figure 8]

Here, the phase distribution P is a scalar field known on (x, y), and the rotation field of the gradient field is zero for any (x, y), so [ expression 8]Eventually becoming zero. In general, there is a necessary and sufficient condition that a certain vector field is given as a scalar field of a gradient field, that the rotation field of the vector field becomes zero everywhere, so [ expression 7]The fact that the rotation field on the right side of the conditional expression of (c) becomes zero means that there must be a condition satisfying [ expression 7]Phase distribution P', i.e., given [ formula 7]]As the phase profile P' of the gradient field. Therefore, by the method described in [ expression 7]]Line integration is performed on the right side of (a) and may be configured as follows at an arbitrary point (x ', y') =(s) on the domain Dm _x ，s _y ) A value of the phase profile P'.

[ math figure 9]

The first term in the above [ expression 10] represents a component obtained by scaling the phase distribution P in both the spatial direction and the phase direction with the reduction magnification r, and the second term and the third term represent lens components determined by the position of the domain Dm. Therefore, in order to calculate the phase distribution P 'of each divided region Ar, it is only necessary to first perform scaling in the spatial direction and the phase direction on the phase distribution P obtained by the free form method, add a lens component corresponding to the position for each domain Dm with respect to the phase distribution after such scaling, and allocate the phase distribution as the phase distribution P' of each domain Dm.

In this way, each light intensity distribution can be reproduced in the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp without shifting the position of the reproduced image from each domain Dm.

Hereinafter, the phase distribution P obtained for the entire phase modulation region of the image of the specific color is referred to as "basic phase distribution Dpr". Further, a phase distribution obtained by performing scaling on the basic phase distribution Dpr in the spatial direction and the phase direction according to the size of the domain Dm is referred to as "regional basic phase distribution Dpa".

In the case where the first region Ar1 corresponds to an R image, the second region Ar2 corresponds to a G image, and the third region Ar3 corresponds to a blue image as in the first embodiment, the phase distribution Dpa is substantially obtained for each obtained region of the R image, the G image, and the B image.

Scaling with respect to the basic phase distribution Dpr is performed as scaling by the magnification "ard/arr", where the area of the entire phase modulation region is "arr" and the area of the domain Dm is "ard".

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of adding lens components.

Here, the domain Dm-1 located at the center is shown as the domain Dm, and the domains Dm-2 and Dm-3 located above and below the domain Dm-1, respectively. In the drawing, the phase distribution denoted as the lens component Dp1-1 is a phase distribution as a lens component corresponding to the position of the domain Dm-1, and the lens components Dp1-2 and Dp1-3 are phase distributions as lens components corresponding to the positions of the domains Dm-2 and Dm-3, respectively. Further, the area basic phase distributions Dpa1, dpa2, and Dpa3 represent the obtained area basic phase distributions Dpa corresponding to the domains Dm-1, dm-2, and Dm-3, respectively.

As shown in the figure, the phase distribution Dpd-1 to be set for the domain Dm-1 is obtained as a phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dp1-1 to the area basic phase distribution Dpa 1. Similarly, the phase distribution Dpd-2 set for the domain Dm-2 is obtained as a phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dp1-2 to the area basic phase distribution Dpa2, and the phase distribution Dpd-3 set for the domain Dm-3 is obtained as a phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dp1-3 to the area basic phase distribution Dpa 2.

Accordingly, each of the domains Dm-1, dm-2, and Dm-3 can reproduce each target light intensity distribution in the same region on the intensity modulation surface Sp.

Hereinafter, the phase distribution obtained by adding the lens component Dpl corresponding to each domain Dm to the regional basic phase distribution Dpa as described above is collectively referred to as "regional phase distribution Dpd".

Here, in the first embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that three subframes of R, G and B are output within one frame period. Thus, the phase pattern calculation unit 11 shown in fig. 1 calculates "region phase distribution DpdR" (i.e., region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to R image), "region phase distribution DpdG" (i.e., region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to G image), and "region phase distribution DpdB" (i.e., region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to B image) for each image of R, G and B obtained for each frame.

(1-4. Specific control method)

A specific example of the control method as in the first embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 10 and 11.

Note that in the following description, when the difference in color of light on the graph is expressed, each color is represented by the following line type.

Red (R): solid line

Green (G): short dashed line

Blue (B): single-point chain line

Yellow (Y): double-point chain line

Cyan (C): long dashed line

As shown by "intensity modulation SLM" in fig. 10 and 11, in the present embodiment, for example, subframes of three colors of R, G and B are output for each frame period F.

Fig. 10 shows response characteristics of the phase modulation SLM 3 (the "phase modulation SLM" shown in the drawing) in the case where the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with the respective reproduction image of each sub-frame without the area division of the phase modulation surface Sm, and on/off timings (the "red light source", "green light source", and "blue light source" in the drawing) of the light emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2b, and contribution degrees of illumination light by the phase modulation SLM 3 to projection images of the respective sub-frames (the "red image", "green image", and "blue image" in the drawing).

As for the driving of the light emitting units 2R, 2G, and 2B, as shown in the figure, in the frame period F, only the light emitting unit 2R is caused to emit light in the subframe period R, only the light emitting unit 2G is caused to emit light in the subframe period G, and only the light emitting unit 2B is caused to emit light in the subframe period B.

Referring to fig. 10, it can be seen that in the case where the phase modulation surface Sm is not divided into regions, in each of the sub-frame periods of R, G and B, the phase modulated liquid crystal response of the corresponding color is not in time, and crosstalk occurs in the time direction between the sub-frame images of the respective colors. This crosstalk results in reduced resolution and reduced contrast of the projected image.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the control method of the first embodiment as related to the area division of the phase modulation surface Sm.

As described above, in the present example, the light from the light emitting unit 2r is incident on the first region Ar1, the light from the light emitting unit 2g is incident on the second region Ar2, and the light from the light emitting unit 2b is incident on the third region Ar 3.

By performing the region division, if the first region Ar1 is allocated only to the subframe period of R, the second region Ar2 is allocated only to the subframe period of G, and the third region Ar3 is allocated only to the subframe period of B, it is sufficient, and each region Ar can be caused to generate a margin time (response margin time) within the frame period F, which can be allocated as a time for response.

Thus, in the present example, the modulation driving is started at a timing before the light incidence period of each region Ar. Specifically, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation driving for reproduction image generation corresponding to the R image is started at a timing before the light incidence period from the light emitting unit 2R (i.e., the sub-frame period of R). That is, the phase modulation driving based on the above-described regional phase distribution DpdR is started.

Similarly, for the second region Ar2, the phase modulation driving based on the above-described region phase distribution DpdG is started at a timing before the light incidence period (sub-frame period of G) from the light emitting unit 2G, and for the third region Ar3, the phase modulation driving based on the above-described region phase distribution DpdB is started at a timing before the light incidence period (sub-frame period of B) from the light emitting unit 2B.

Therefore, in each sub-frame period, the response in the corresponding region Ar is timely, and crosstalk between sub-frame images can be reduced.

In order to realize the operation of the first embodiment described above, the control unit 8 shown in fig. 1 performs the following control in each frame period F.

That is, as the control of the light source unit 2, control is performed such that only the light emitting unit 2R is turned on during the R subframe, only the light emitting unit 2G is turned on during the G subframe, and only the light emitting unit 2B is turned on during the B subframe.

Further, in each frame period F, the area phase distributions DpdR, dpdG, and DpdB are calculated based on the input image data.

As the driving control of the phase modulation SLM 3, as described above, the phase modulation driving based on the corresponding region phase distribution Dpd is started for each of the regions Ar1, ar2, and Ar3 at a timing before the light incidence period from the corresponding light emitting unit.

Here, the response time can also be obtained by providing a plurality of phase modulation SLMs 3, but in this case, in order to irradiate the same area on the intensity modulation surface Sp with the reproduction image of each phase modulation SLM 3, it is necessary to bend the light beam relatively largely by the phase modulation pattern. As the number of phase modulation SLMs 3 increases, the amount of bending of the light beam increases, and the feasibility deteriorates. Although it is conceivable to multiplex a plurality of phase modulation SLMs 3 using dichroic mirrors, polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS) and the like, the system size increases.

Further, in the case of using a plurality of phase modulation SLMs 3, light illuminated on each phase modulation SLM 3 is darkened through an aperture, which results in a reduction in light utilization efficiency.

These problems can be solved according to the method of dividing and using the embodiment of the single chip phase modulation SLM 3.

<2 > second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a projector apparatus 1A as the second embodiment.

Note that in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to parts similar to those already described, and description thereof will be omitted.

The projector apparatus 1A of the second embodiment is different from the projector apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that a light source unit 2A is provided instead of the light source unit 2, two intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2 are provided as the intensity modulation SLM 6, and a control unit 8A is provided instead of the control unit 8.

In this case, the optical system including the prism 5, the intensity modulation SLM 6-1, the intensity modulation SLM 6-2, and the projection lens 7 is configured such that, for the intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2 arranged at different positions, the intensity modulation surface Sp-1 of the intensity modulation SLM 6-1 and the intensity modulation surface Sp-2 of the intensity modulation SLM 6-2 are irradiated with the reproduced image from the phase modulation SLM 3, and the intensity modulation images from the respective intensity modulation surfaces Sp-1 and Sp-2 are incident on the projection lens 7 via the prism 5.

In this case, the intensity modulated images from the respective intensity modulated surfaces Sp-1 and Sp-2 are projected onto the same region on the projection target surface (surface on which the image is projected by the projection lens 7).

Here, the second embodiment is an example in which one frame period includes two subframe periods. That is, each of the intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2 performs spatial light intensity modulation on two sub-frame images during one frame period.

Specifically, in the present example, the intensity modulation SLM 6-1 spatially light-intensity modulates the subframe image of R during a first subframe in the frame period F, and spatially light-intensity modulates the subframe image of B during a second subframe.

Further, in the intensity modulation SLM 6-2, the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image of G is performed during the first sub-frame period, and the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame image of B is performed during the second sub-frame period.

Then, in correspondence with this, the light source unit 2A has a light emitting unit 2Y that emits light of a composite color Y (yellow) of R and G and a light emitting unit 2B that emits light of B.

Further, for the phase modulation SLM 3, the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into two. The region Ar divided at this time is referred to as a first region Ar1 and a second region Ar2.

A control method as a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 13 and 14.

Fig. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing items similar to those in fig. 10 and 11 described above, fig. 13 is a diagram of a case where region division of the phase modulation SLM 3 is not performed on the premise of the configuration of the projector apparatus 1A as the second embodiment described above, and fig. 14 is a diagram of a case where the control method as the second embodiment is adopted.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, in this case, in the first sub-frame period in which the intensity modulation SLM 6-1 modulates the sub-frame image of R and the intensity modulation SLM 6-2 modulates the sub-frame image of G, only the light emitting unit 2y is made to emit light in the light source unit 2A, and in the second sub-frame period in which the intensity modulation SLM 6-1 modulates the sub-frame image of B and the intensity modulation SLM 6-2 also modulates the sub-frame image of B, only the light emitting unit 2B is made to emit light in the light source unit 2A.

As can be seen with reference to fig. 13, also in this case, unless the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into a plurality of areas, the liquid crystal response cannot be timely during each sub-frame, and this contributes to crosstalk between sub-frame images in the time direction.

In the second embodiment, as described above, after the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into two to form the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2, the light from the light emitting unit 2y is incident on the first region Ar1, and the light from the light emitting unit 2b is incident on the second region Ar 2.

By performing the region division, as shown in fig. 14, the first region Ar1 only needs to be allocated to a first subframe period in which spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of R and G is performed, and the second region Ar2 only needs to be allocated to a second subframe period in which spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of B is performed in both the intensity modulation SLMs 6-1 and 6-2. That is, also in this case, a response margin time occurs in each region Ar within the frame period F.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation drive for the reproduction image generation corresponding to the Y image is started at a timing before the light incidence period (first subframe period) from the light emitting unit 2Y. Similarly, for the second region Ar2, phase modulation driving for reproduction image generation corresponding to the B image is started at a timing before the light incidence period (second sub-frame period) from the light emitting unit 2B.

Further, in the second embodiment, in the first subframe period in which the spatial light intensity modulation of the subframe images of R and G is performed, the light source of Y light which is a composite color of R and G is caused to emit light, and the reproduced image generation corresponding to the Y image is performed in the first region Ar1, so that a decrease in the resolution of the subframe images of R and G can be suppressed.

In order to realize the operation of the second embodiment described above, the control unit 8A shown in fig. 12 performs the following control in each frame period F.

That is, as control of the light source unit 2A, control is performed such that only the light emitting portion 2y is turned on during the first subframe and only the light emitting portion 2b is turned on during the second subframe.

Further, in each frame period F, a region phase distribution DpdY, which is a region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the Y image, and a region phase distribution DpdB, which is a region phase distribution DpdB corresponding to the B image, are calculated based on the input image data.

Further, as the driving control of the phase modulation SLM 3, phase modulation driving based on the respective region phase distribution Dpd is started for each of the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2 at a timing before the light incidence period from the respective light emitting units.

Note that in the above example, in the frame period F, the first subframe period (modulation period of the subframe images of R and G) precedes the second subframe period (modulation period of the subframe images of B), but conversely, the second subframe period may precede the first subframe period.

In the second embodiment, a composite color W (white) of R, G, B may be used as the composite color.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 15, each of the first area Ar1 and the second area Ar2 is driven with a phase modulation pattern corresponding to a W image (in the drawing, W is represented by gray lines). W may correspond to R and G in the first subframe period and B in the second subframe period. Thus, as shown in the drawing, in each of the first area Ar1 and the second area Ar2, phase modulation corresponding to the W image is alternately performed every one frame. Specifically, in the first area Ar1, for example, phase modulation corresponding to the W image is performed in one frame period (i.e., in the first and second subframe periods) of the even frames, and phase modulation corresponding to the W image is performed in the second area Ar2, for example, in one frame period of the odd frames.

Thereby, in each of the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2, the response margin time can be further enlarged, and the crosstalk reduction effect in the time direction of the projection image can be improved.

In the case of using the phase modulation pattern corresponding to the above-described W image, the control unit 8A only needs to perform the following control.

That is, as the control of the light source unit 2A, in each frame period F, control is performed such that only the light emitting portion 2y is turned on in the first subframe period and only the light emitting portion 2b is turned on in the second subframe period.

Further, in each frame period F, the region phase distribution DpdW, which is the region phase distribution Dpd corresponding to the W image, is calculated based on the input image data.

Further, as the drive control of the phase modulation SLM 3, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation drive based on the region phase distribution DpdW is started at a time before the target even frame period, and the phase modulation drive state based on the region phase distribution DpdW is continued for one frame period, and for the second region Ar2, the phase modulation drive based on the region phase distribution DpdW is started at a time before the target odd frame period, and the phase modulation drive state based on the region phase distribution DpdW is continued for one frame period.

Note that although in the above-described embodiment all the areas Ar are driven with the phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image, a configuration may be adopted in which only one area Ar is driven with the phase modulation pattern corresponding to the W image.

<3 > third embodiment

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a projector apparatus 1B as the third embodiment.

The projector apparatus 1B is different from the projector apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that a light moving unit 20 for R light, G light, and B light is provided between the light source unit 2 and the phase modulation SLM 3, and a control unit 8B is provided instead of the control unit 8.

The control unit 8B is different from the control unit 8 in that a light entrance control unit 15 for controlling the operation of each light shift unit 20 is provided.

The light shift unit 20 is provided to switch the area Ar on which light is incident for each corresponding light emitting unit.

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the light shift unit 20.

As shown in a of fig. 17, the light moving unit 20 is configured to be able to translate the optical axis of the incident light Li from the light source unit 2 side and output the incident light Li as the emission light Lo to the phase modulation SLM 3 side. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the light shift unit 20 is configured by combining wedge-type optical elements 21 and 22, and is rotatable, for example, about a rotation shaft 20a (an axis parallel to an orthogonal plane to the optical axis of the incident light Li) provided in the wedge-type optical element 21.

B of fig. 17 and C of fig. 17 show an optical axis shifting operation of the light shifting unit 20.

Here, the operation of the light moving unit 20 provided with respect to the light emitting unit 2R that emits R light is shown as a representative example, but as shown in the drawing, wedge-shaped optical elements 21 and 22 are rotated about the rotation axis 20a so that it is possible to switch on which area Ar of the phase modulation SLM 3 the emitted light Lo of R light is made incident. That is, the area Ar into which the light from the light source unit 2 side is incident can be selected.

Although not shown, the G light and the B light may be similarly switched by the light shift means 20 provided correspondingly to which region Ar the light from the light emitting portions 2G and 2B side is incident.

Note that the specific configuration of the light moving unit 20 is not limited to the configuration described in fig. 17, and is not limited to the specific configuration as long as the optical axis of the incident light Li is moved (translated).

The third embodiment is an example in which one frame period includes four subframe periods. Specifically, in this case, the intensity modulation SLM 6 performs spatial light intensity modulation on the four sub-frame images of R, G, B and G in one frame period. Here, it is assumed that the first subframe period is the beginning of the frame period F, followed by the second, third, and fourth subframe periods. Then, the intensity modulation SLM 6 in this case is an embodiment in which spatial light intensity modulation of a subframe image is performed in each frame period F in the case where the first subframe period=r, the second subframe period=g, the third subframe period=b, and the fourth subframe period=g are allocated.

A control method as a third embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 18 and 19.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the area division of the phase modulation SLM 3 is not performed on the premise of the configuration of the projector apparatus 1B of the third embodiment described above, and fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram in the case where the control method of the third embodiment is adopted.

As shown in fig. 18 and 19, as the control of the light source unit 2 in this case, only the light emitting unit 2R is turned on in the first subframe period (R), only the light emitting unit 2G is turned on in the second subframe period (G), only the light emitting unit 2B is turned on in the third subframe period (B), and only the light emitting unit 2G is turned on in the fourth subframe period (G).

As can be seen with reference to fig. 18, also in this case, unless the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into a plurality of areas, the liquid crystal response cannot be timely during each sub-frame, and this contributes to crosstalk between sub-frame images in the time direction.

In the third embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into three to form a first region Ar1, a second region Ar2, and a third region Ar3, and then, as shown in fig. 19, the distribution color of each region Ar is changed in the repeating order of every two subframes R, G, B, and G.

Specifically, for the first region Ar1, in the first frame period F, the phase modulation of the R image is allocated to the first subframe period, and after the first subframe period, the target color of the phase modulation is cyclically changed to g→b→g→r.

For the second region Ar2, in the first frame period F, the phase modulation of the G image is allocated to the second subframe period, and after the second subframe period, the target color of the phase modulation is cyclically changed to r→g→b→g→.

For the third region Ar3, in the first frame period F, the phase modulation of the B image is allocated to the third sub-frame period, and after the third sub-frame period, the target color of the phase modulation is cyclically changed to g→r→g→b→.

At this time, the light from the light source unit 2 is incident on each region Ar through the light shift unit 20 in the repetition order of every two subframes R, G, B and G.

Specifically, for the first region Ar1, in the first frame period F, the R light from the light emitting unit 2R is made incident in the first subframe period, and after the first subframe period, the color of the incident light is cyclically changed to g→b→g→r.

For the second region Ar2, in the first frame period F, G light from the light emitting unit 2G is made incident in the second subframe period, and after the second subframe period, the color of the incident light is cyclically changed to r→g→b→g→.

For the third region Ar3, in the first frame period F, the B light from the light emitting unit 2B is made incident in the third subframe period, and after the third subframe period, the color of the incident light is cyclically changed to g→r→g→b→every two subframes.

According to the control method of the third embodiment as described above, it is possible to secure the time corresponding to the two sub-frame periods as the response margin time in each region Ar.

Also in this case, the phase modulation driving of each region Ar starts from the time before the incident period of the corresponding light.

In order to implement the operation of the third embodiment described above, the control unit 8B shown in fig. 16 performs the following control.

That is, as the control of the light source unit 2, for each frame period F, control is performed such that only the light emitting unit 2r is turned on in the first subframe period, only the light emitting unit 2g is turned on in the second subframe period, only the light emitting unit 2b is turned on in the third subframe period, and only the light emitting unit 2g is turned on in the fourth subframe period.

Note that since the control of each light shift unit 20 has been described above, redundant description is avoided.

Further, in each frame period F, the area phase distributions DpdR, dpdG, and DpdB are calculated based on the input image data. At this time, since the color assigned to each region Ar changes with time in the third embodiment, the lens assembly Dp1 for generating the region phase distributions DpdR, dpdG, and DpdB is selected according to the change rule (see fig. 9).

Further, as the driving control of the phase modulation SLM 3, at a timing before the light incidence period of the light emitting unit of the corresponding color, the phase modulation driving based on the corresponding region phase distribution Dpd is started for each of the first region Ar1, the second region Ar2, and the third region Ar 3.

Note that in the third embodiment, the light shift unit 20 is not necessarily provided.

For example, as shown in fig. 20, a light source unit 2B including three sets of light emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2B is provided instead of the light source unit 2.

Therefore, which light of R, G and B is made incident on each area Ar in the phase-modulating SLM 3 can be switched according to which of the light emitting units 2r, 2g, and 2B is turned on in each setting.

<4 > fourth embodiment

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a projector apparatus 1C as the fourth embodiment.

The projector apparatus 1C is different from the projector apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in that a light source unit 2C is provided instead of the light source unit 2, and a control unit 8C is provided instead of the control unit 8.

As shown in the figure, the light source unit 2C includes a light emitting unit 2Y that emits Y light and a light emitting unit 2C that emits C (cyan) light as a composite color of G and B.

In the fourth embodiment, the number of area divisions of the phase modulation SLM 3 is two, and the respective areas Ar are set as the first area Ar1 and the second area Ar2. The Y light emitted from the light emitting unit 2Y is incident on the first region Ar1, and the C light emitted from the light emitting unit 2C is incident on the second region Ar2.

In the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, one frame period includes four subframe periods, and in this case, the intensity modulation SLM 6 performs spatial light intensity modulation on four subframe images of R, G, B and G within one frame period. Similarly to the case of the third embodiment, it is assumed that the first subframe period is the beginning of the frame period F, followed by the second, third, and fourth subframe periods, and in this case, the intensity modulation SLM 6 performs spatial light intensity modulation on the subframe image in each frame period F by assigning the first subframe period=r, the second subframe period=g, the third subframe period=b, and the fourth subframe period=g.

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram as a control method of the fourth embodiment.

In this case, in each frame period F, only the light emitting unit 2y is caused to emit light in the light source unit 2C in the first sub-frame period (R) and the second sub-frame period (G), and only the light emitting unit 2C is caused to emit light in the light source unit 2C in the third sub-frame period (B) and the fourth sub-frame period (G).

In the fourth embodiment, in the first subframe period and the second subframe period, the first region Ar1 is allocated to the phase modulation corresponding to the Y image, and in the third subframe period and the fourth subframe period, the second region Ar2 is allocated to the phase modulation corresponding to the C image.

In this case, the third and fourth sub-frame periods not allocated to the phase modulation are ensured as the response margin time in the first region Ar1, and the first and second sub-frame periods not allocated to the phase modulation are ensured as the response margin time in the second region Ar 2.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, for the first region Ar1, the phase modulation drive for reproduction image generation corresponding to the Y image is started at a timing before the light incidence period (first and second sub-frame periods) from the light emitting unit 2Y. Similarly, for the second region Ar2, the phase modulation driving for reproduction image generation corresponding to the C image is started at a timing before the light incidence period (third and fourth sub-frame periods) from the light emitting unit 2C.

Further, in this case, a response margin time (in this case, during two subframes) is ensured in each region Ar by region division, and crosstalk between subframe images in the time direction can be reduced.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the case of the second embodiment, in the period in which the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame images of R and G is performed (in this case, the first sub-frame period and the second sub-frame period), the light source of Y light which is the composite color of R and G is made to emit light, and the reproduced image generation corresponding to the Y image is performed in the first area Ar1, so that a decrease in the resolution of the sub-frame images of R and G can be suppressed.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, in the third and fourth sub-frame periods in which the spatial light intensity modulation of the sub-frame images of B and G is performed, the light source of the C light which is the composite color of B and G is caused to emit light, and the reproduced image generation corresponding to the C image is performed in the second area Ar2, so that a decrease in the resolution of the sub-frame images of G and B can be suppressed.

In order to realize the operation of the fourth embodiment described above, the control unit 8C performs the following control in each frame period F.

That is, as control of the light source unit 2C, control is performed such that only the light emitting portion 2y is turned on during the first and second sub-frames and only the light emitting portion 2C is turned on during the third and fourth sub-frames.

Further, in each frame period F, the area phase distribution DpdY corresponding to the Y image and the area phase distribution DpdC corresponding to the C image are calculated based on the input image data.

Further, as the driving control of the phase modulation SLM 3, phase modulation driving based on the respective area phase distribution Dpd is started for each of the first area Ar1 and the second area Ar2 at a timing before the light incidence period from the respective light emitting units.

In the fourth embodiment, as in the case of the second embodiment, a composite color W of R, G, B may be used as the composite color.

<5 > modification example

Here, the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples described above, and may be adopted as a configuration of various modifications.

For example, in the above description, the case of using one or two intensity modulation SLMs 6 has been shown, but in the case of adopting a so-called three-plate configuration including three intensity modulation SLMs, the area division driving of the phase modulation SLM 3 may also be applied.

As shown, each intensity modulation SLM 6 performs spatial light intensity modulation for a different color in R, G and B during each frame period F.

In this case, the phase modulation SLM 3 is divided into two areas, and the respective areas Ar are set as a first area Ar1 and a second area Ar2. As shown, for example, the first area Ar1 is allocated to phase modulation corresponding to W images in even frames, and the second area Ar2 is allocated to phase modulation corresponding to W images in odd frames.

Light from the first light source is incident on the first region Ar1 only in even frames, and light from the second light source is incident on the second region Ar2 only in odd frames.

For example, by adopting the control method as described above, the response margin time for one frame period can be ensured in each region Ar corresponding to the case where the three-plate type configuration is adopted.

In this case, in each region Ar, the phase modulation driving can be started from the previous timing of the frame period F immediately before the frame period F as the light incidence period, so that crosstalk of the projected image in the time direction can be reduced.

Further, in the above description, the number of divisions of the area Ar is three at maximum, but the number of divisions of the area Ar may be four or more.

Fig. 24 shows a configuration example of a projector apparatus 1D as a modification of the division number 4 of the area Ar. Note that, hereinafter, four regions Ar are referred to as a first region Ar1, a second region Ar2, a third region Ar3, and a fourth region Ar4.

The difference from the projector 1 of embodiment 1 is that a control unit 8D is provided instead of the control unit 8, and a light shift unit 20 is provided for the light emitting unit 2 g. The control unit 8D is different from the control unit 8 in that a light entrance control unit 15' that controls the light shift unit 20 is provided.

Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a control method in the projector apparatus 1D.

In this case, similarly to the case of the fourth embodiment, the intensity modulation SLM 6 performs spatial light intensity modulation of a sub-frame image in each frame period F by assigning a first sub-frame period=r, a second sub-frame period=g, a third sub-frame period=b, and a fourth sub-frame period=g.

In the present modification, since the number of the areas Ar is four, one area Ar may be allocated to each of the first to fourth subframe periods.

Specifically, in this case, the first region Ar1 is allocated to the phase modulation corresponding to the R image during the first subframe (R), and the second region Ar2 is allocated to the phase modulation corresponding to the G image during the second subframe (G). Further, the third region Ar3 is allocated to phase modulation corresponding to the B image in the third subframe period (B), and the fourth region Ar4 is allocated to phase modulation corresponding to the G image in the fourth subframe period (G).

In this case, since the G light needs to be incident on the second region Ar2 in the second subframe period and on the fourth region Ar4 in the fourth subframe period, the light moving unit 20 is provided for the light emitting unit 2G as shown in fig. 24.

As can be seen with reference to fig. 25, the response margin time in each region Ar can be extended by increasing the number of region divisions. Therefore, the crosstalk reduction effect in the time direction between sub-frame images can be enhanced.

Here, the number of area divisions of the phase modulation SLM 3 may be larger than the number of subframes. By making the number of area divisions larger than the number of subframes, the modulation driving interval of each area Ar can be made longer than one frame period, which can be further advantageous in reducing crosstalk in the time direction.

Further, the area division of the phase modulation surface Sm is not limited to the equal division.

For example, as shown in fig. 26, in the case where Y and B are used as light sources and the phase modulation surface Sm is divided into a first region Ar1 corresponding to Y light and a second region Ar2 corresponding to B light, it is conceivable to make the size of the second region Ar2 larger than that of the first region Ar 1.

Therefore, the optical density can be reduced in a blue light region where blue light having a short wavelength is incident, and the reliability of the projector apparatus can be improved.

Further, although not shown, in the case where R, G and B are used as light sources and the phase modulating surface Sm is divided into three (as in the first embodiment and the like), the size of the region Ar on which R light is incident may be made larger than the region Ar on which G light is incident and the region Ar on which B light is incident.

Since a red laser emitting element mass-produced in recent years has a small output of a single emitter, a multi-emitter laser emitting element in which two or more emitters are mounted in one chip is generally used. When used, the etendue as a light source becomes large, and therefore, the efficiency when transmitted through the optical system and the phase modulation SLM 3 decreases. In addition, in order to obtain white balance of the projection image, the energy ratio of R light is larger than that of G and B light. Therefore, by increasing the area Ar of the R light as described above, the efficiency and resolution of the illumination light on the intensity modulation surface Sp can be improved.

It should be noted that the method of performing uneven division of the area division of the phase modulation surface Sm as described above can also be suitably applied to the case of performing switching of the light incident area described in the third embodiment. In this case, it is sufficient if the region Ar for increasing the size is switched in combination with the switching of the light incident region.

Further, how to arrange the regions Ar of the respective colors may be appropriately selected according to the actual embodiment or the like.

For example, in the case where R, G and B are used as light sources and the phase modulating surface Sm is divided into three (as in the first embodiment), it is conceivable to position the region Ar (second region Ar2 in the drawing) on which the B light is incident within the other region Ar (first region Ar1 and third region Ar3 are shown in the drawing), as shown in fig. 27.

The maximum angle of the B beam having a short wavelength with the phase modulation pattern is smaller than that of the R beam having a long wavelength, and when the B beam is greatly bent, the efficiency of the B beam is further lowered. Therefore, by providing as shown in fig. 27, that is, by providing the region Ar of the B light at a position close to the optical axis, a decrease in efficiency can be suppressed.

In this case, in order to adjust the white balance, the area Ar of the B light may be made larger than the other areas Ar (areas Ar of the R light and the G light) as shown in the figure.

Furthermore, in the above description, an embodiment in which a transmissive SLM is used as the phase modulating SLM 3 is described, but a reflective phase modulating SLM 3″ may also be used as the phase modulating SLM 3. For example, a reflective liquid crystal panel, a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD), or the like may be used as the reflective phase modulation SLM 3'.

Fig. 28 shows a schematic configuration example of an optical system in the case of using the phase modulation SLM 3'.

As shown in the figure, in this case, incident light Li from the light source unit 2 (may be the light source units 2A to 2C) is incident on the phase modulation SLM 3', and spatial light phase modulation is performed. Then, the light after spatial light phase modulation is incident on the relay optical system 4 as reflected light from the phase modulation SLM 3'. It should be noted that, although the configuration similar to that in fig. 1, 16, 21, and 24 is shown as the configuration subsequent to the relay optical system 4, the configuration shown in fig. 12 can also be applied.

By using the reflective spatial light phase modulator, the thickness of the phase modulation unit (the thickness of the liquid crystal layer) required to achieve the same phase modulation amount can be suppressed to about half as compared with the case of using the transmissive spatial light phase modulator, and the response speed of phase modulation can be improved.

The structure of the optical system is not limited to the above-described structure.

For example, as shown in fig. 29, a configuration may be adopted in which a light source unit 30 as a Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) light source is added. The brightness of the entire projected image is increased not only by using the illumination light of the phase modulation SLM 3 but also by using the light from the light source unit 30.

Specifically, in this case, the light from the light source unit 30 is incident on the polarization conversion element 32 through the integrator optical system (integrator optical system) 31 including the first fly-eye lens 31a and the second fly-eye lens 31 b. As shown in the drawing, in the polarization conversion element 32, an opening hole 32a is formed on the surface of the light-incident side from the light source unit 30, and a half-wave plate 32b is formed on the light-emitting surface side. With the integrator optical system 31 and the polarization conversion element 32 as described above, illuminance uniformity of light from the light source unit 30 on the irradiation surface can be improved.

As shown in the figure, in this case, in the relay optical system 4, light from the phase modulation SLM 3 is incident on the prism 5 via condenser lenses 34 and 35, a multiplexing element 36, and a condenser lens 37. The light from the light source unit 30 is multiplexed with the illumination light from the phase modulation SLM 3 by a multiplexing element 36 arranged in the relay optical system 4 via a condensing lens 33 after passing through the above-described integrator optical system 31 and polarization conversion element 32, and is incident on the prism 5 together with the illumination light, so that the intensity modulation surface Sp is irradiated with light.

Here, for example, the light source unit 30 may have the configuration shown in a to D of fig. 30. Fig. 30 a is a configuration example in the case of using a lamp such as a UHP lamp (ultra high pressure mercury lamp), and fig. 30B is a configuration example in the case of using a Light Emitting Diode (LED). Further, C of fig. 30 shows a configuration example in which an excitation laser light source of B is used as a phosphor, and in this case, B light is made incident on the phosphor. Fig. 30D shows a configuration example in the case where R, G and B laser emitting elements are used, and in this case, a configuration may be conceived in which light from the laser emitting elements is emitted via a diffusion sheet as shown in the drawing.

Furthermore, in the above description, an embodiment has been described which uses a reflective spatial light intensity modulator as the intensity modulating SLM 6. However, for example, in the projector apparatus 1F shown in fig. 31, a configuration including an intensity modulation SLM 6' by a transmissive spatial light intensity modulator may be adopted.

Further, in the above description, an example in which the illumination device according to the present technology is applied to a projector device has been described, but the present technology can be widely and appropriately applied to an illumination device that irradiates any target surface with a reproduced image to which a light intensity distribution is imparted by spatial light phase modulation of a phase modulation unit.

For example, in a distance measurement apparatus that irradiates a distance measurement light such as infrared light to an object by time of flight (ToF) and performs ranging based on a result of receiving the reflected light, it is also possible as an illumination device or the like that performs irradiation with the distance measurement light.

Further, in the above description, as an embodiment of spatial light phase modulation for reproducing a desired light intensity distribution on a target surface, an embodiment of spatial light phase modulation based on a free-form method, that is, spatial light phase modulation on the premise of using a refraction phenomenon of light has been described. However, the present technology is also suitably applicable to a case in which spatial light phase modulation is performed by a method on the premise of using a diffraction phenomenon of light such as a computer-generated hologram (CGH).

<6. Summary of embodiments >

As described above, the illumination device (projector device 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, or 1F) as an embodiment includes the light source unit (2, 2A, 2B, or 2C) including the light emitting unit (same 2r,2g, 2B, 2y, or 2C) that emits light; a phase modulation unit (phase modulation SLM 3 or 3'), which performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from a light source unit, and a control unit (same 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, or 8D), which makes light from the light source unit incident on a plurality of areas (same Ar), for each of which a phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit is divided into the plurality of areas at different timings, and starts modulation driving at a timing before a light incidence period for each area.

Therefore, even if only one phase modulation unit is provided, a margin of response time is generated in each region, so that crosstalk of a reproduced image in the time direction can be reduced. That is, miniaturization of the optical system and reduction of crosstalk of the reproduced image in the time direction can be achieved, wherein the number of phase modulation units can be reduced.

Further, in the illumination apparatus as an embodiment, the phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation for each region in the following manner: a lens effect (lens component Dpl) for changing at least one of the direction or the beam size of the emitted light beam from the region is given to each region (see fig. 9).

Therefore, the position and the size of the reproduced image of each area obtained on the plane conjugate to the phase modulation surface on the optical axis orthogonal plane can be matched.

Therefore, crosstalk with respect to a reproduced image in a spatial direction can be reduced by the phase modulation unit.

In the illumination device according to the embodiment, the phase modulation means (phase modulation SLM 3') is a reflective spatial light phase modulator (see fig. 28).

Therefore, the thickness of the phase modulation unit required to achieve the same amount of phase modulation can be suppressed to about half the thickness in the case of the transmissive spatial light phase modulator.

Accordingly, the response speed of the phase modulation unit can be improved, and the crosstalk reduction effect in the time direction between reproduced images can be improved.

Further, the illumination apparatus as an embodiment is configured as a projection apparatus including an intensity modulation unit (intensity modulation SLM 6, 6-1 or 6-2) that performs spatial light intensity modulation on a reproduced image by a phase modulation unit and a projection unit (projection lens 7) that projects the reproduced image on a target surface, the reproduced image performing spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation unit.

Thus, compared with a conventional projector apparatus that generates a projected image by only spatial light intensity modulation by the intensity modulation means, a projector apparatus that improves the use efficiency of light from the light source means can be realized.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is equal to or greater than the number of subframes in one frame (see fig. 1, 24, and the like).

Thus, each region need not be allocated to at least any one of the subframes.

Accordingly, in each region, since modulation driving can be started before the start of the period of the allocated subframe, response can be completed in the allocated period, and crosstalk of the projected image in the time direction can be reduced.

Also, in the illumination apparatus as an embodiment, the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is equal to the number of subframes (see fig. 1, 24, and the like).

Thus, the modulation driving interval of each region may be set to one frame interval.

Thus, in each region, the response can be completed in the allocated period, and crosstalk of the projected image in the time direction can be reduced.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, there are subframes of three or more colors as subframes, and the control unit makes light of a composite color of at least two colors incident on one area from the light source unit, and makes spatial light phase modulation by the intensity modulation unit perform a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color for the subframes of at least two colors during the spatial light intensity modulation (see fig. 14, 15, 22, and the like).

Assuming that there are subframes of three or more colors as subframes, by having one region perform phase modulation with a modulation pattern corresponding to a composite color of at least two colors in the intensity modulation period of the subframes of at least two colors as described above, the response margin time in the region can be prolonged as compared with the case where one region is allocated to phase modulation of two colors.

Therefore, crosstalk in the time direction of the projected image can be reduced.

Further, the lighting device as an embodiment includes two intensity modulation units, wherein the number of division of regions in the phase modulation unit is two, one of the intensity modulation units performs spatial light intensity modulation of a red sub-frame in a first sub-frame period and spatial light intensity modulation of a blue sub-frame in a second sub-frame period within one frame period, the other intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a green sub-frame in the first sub-frame period and spatial light intensity modulation of a blue sub-frame in the second sub-frame period, and the control unit (8A) makes yellow light, which is a composite color of red and green, incident on one of the regions of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and makes spatial light phase modulation performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow in the first sub-frame period, and makes blue light incident on the other region of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and makes spatial light phase modulation performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to blue in the second sub-frame period (see fig. 14).

Accordingly, corresponding to a case where one of the intensity modulation units performs intensity modulation of the subframes of red and blue in one frame period using the subframes of three colors of red, blue, and green and the other intensity modulation unit performs intensity modulation of the subframes of green and blue, crosstalk in the time direction of the projected image can be reduced.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of red in a first subframe period within one frame period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of green in a second subframe period continuous with the first subframe period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of blue in a third subframe period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of green in a fourth subframe period continuous with the third subframe period, and the division number of the regions in the phase modulation unit is two, and the control unit (8C) makes yellow light of a composite color of red and green incident on one of the regions of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and makes spatial light phase modulation performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow in the first subframe period and the second subframe period, and makes cyan light of composite light of blue and green incident on the other region of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and makes spatial light phase modulation pattern corresponding to the fourth subframe period (see fig. 22).

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce crosstalk in the time direction of the projected image corresponding to the case where a single intensity modulation unit performs intensity modulation of red, green, blue, and green sub-frames in one frame period using sub-frames of three colors of red, blue, and green.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, there are subframes of three colors of red, blue, and green as subframes, and the control unit performs spatial light phase modulation on at least one region having a modulation pattern corresponding to white as a composite color of red, blue, and green (see fig. 15).

Thus, the response margin time can be prolonged in one area as compared with the case of distributing the phase modulation of a single color or two colors.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting units having different light emission colors, and the lighting device includes a light incidence area switching unit (a light shift unit 20 and light entrance control units 15 and 15') that switches an area where light is incident for at least one light emitting unit (see fig. 16 and 24).

Thus, the area and time at which light is incident can be switched for the light emitting units of at least one color.

Therefore, in the case where it is required to make light of a specific color incident on another area at another timing, it is unnecessary to provide a light emitting unit of a specific color for each area, and the size of the light source unit can be reduced.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the light incident region switching unit switches the region where light is incident for all the light emitting units in the light source unit (see fig. 16 and 19).

Therefore, it is possible to switch on which region of the light emitting unit of each color light is made incident at which timing.

Therefore, in order to switch at which time to enter which color of light for each region, it is not necessary to provide a light emitting unit of each color for each region, and the light source unit can be miniaturized.

Further, in the illumination device as an embodiment, a plurality of areas are obtained by unevenly dividing the phase modulation surface (see fig. 26 and 27).

Thus, the size of the region for phase modulating light of a specific color and the size of the region for phase modulating light of other colors can be made different.

Further, in the lighting device as an embodiment, the phase modulation unit includes, as the regions, a blue light region in which blue light is incident from the light source unit and a non-blue light region in which light having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light is incident from the light source unit, and the size of the blue light region is made larger than that of the non-blue light region.

Therefore, the optical density can be reduced in a blue light region where blue light having a short wavelength is incident.

Therefore, the reliability of the lighting device can be improved.

Note that the embodiment of unevenly dividing the phase modulation surface is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, in the case where R, G and B are used as light sources and the phase modulation surface is divided into three as described above, the size of the region where R light is incident may be made larger than the region where G light is incident and the region where B light is incident.

By increasing the area of the R light in this way, efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the illumination device as an embodiment, the phase modulation unit includes, as regions, a blue light region in which blue light is incident from the light source unit and a non-blue light region in which light having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light is incident from the light source unit, and the blue light region is located inside the non-blue light region (fig. 27).

Thus, the blue light region is arranged at a position closer to the optical axis than the non-blue light region having a longer wavelength.

Therefore, the amount of bending of the light beam due to the phase modulation of the blue light having a short wavelength can be suppressed, and the light utilization efficiency of the blue light can be improved.

It should be noted that the effects described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may be provided.

<7 > this technology

The present technology can also employ the following configuration.

(1)

A lighting device, comprising:

a light source unit including a light emitting unit emitting light;

a phase modulation unit performing spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit; and

the control unit makes light from the light source unit incident for each of the plurality of regions obtained by dividing the phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit at different timings, and starts modulation driving for each of the regions at a timing before the light incidence period.

(2)

The lighting device according to (1), wherein,

the phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation for each region in the following manner: a lens effect is imparted to each region, the lens effect being applied to alter at least one of a direction and a beam size of the emitted beam from the region.

(3)

The lighting device according to the above (1) or (2), wherein,

the phase modulation unit is a reflective spatial light phase modulator.

(4)

The lighting device according to any one of the above (1) to (3), wherein,

the illumination device is configured as a projector device, the projector device including:

An intensity modulation unit that performs spatial light intensity modulation on the reproduced image by the phase modulation unit, and

and a projection unit that projects the reproduced image modulated by the spatial light intensity of the intensity modulation unit on the target surface.

(5)

The lighting device according to the above (4), wherein,

the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is equal to or greater than the number of subframes in one frame.

(6)

The lighting device according to the above (5), wherein,

the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is equal to the number of subframes.

(7)

The lighting device according to the above (4), wherein,

there are subframes of three or more colors as subframes, and

in the spatial light intensity modulation period of the intensity modulation unit for the subframes of at least two colors, the control unit makes light of a composite color of at least two colors incident on one area from the light source unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation with a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color.

(8)

The lighting device according to the above (7), further comprising:

two intensity modulation units, wherein

The number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is two,

in one frame period, one intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of a red sub-frame in a first sub-frame period and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue sub-frame in a second sub-frame period,

Another intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of the green sub-frame in the first sub-frame period and performs spatial light intensity modulation of the blue sub-frame in the second sub-frame period, and

control unit

Causing yellow light, which is a composite color of red and green, to be incident on one region of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and performing spatial light phase modulation with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow during the first subframe, and

blue light is made incident on another region of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to the blue light during the second subframe.

(9)

The lighting device according to the above (7), wherein,

the intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of red in a first subframe period within one frame period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of green subframe in a second subframe period consecutive to the first subframe period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of blue in a third subframe period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of green subframe in a fourth subframe period consecutive to the third subframe period, and

the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is two, and

Control unit

Causing yellow light, which is a composite color of red and green, to be incident on one region of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and performing spatial light phase modulation with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow in the first sub-frame period and the second sub-frame period, and

cyan light, which is a composite light of blue and green, is made incident on another area of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and in the third sub-frame period and the fourth sub-frame period, spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to cyan.

(10)

The lighting device according to the above (7), wherein,

as subframes, there are subframes of three colors of red, blue, and green, and

control unit

Spatial light phase modulation is performed on at least the one region with a modulation pattern corresponding to white which is a composite color of red, blue, and green.

(11)

The lighting device according to any one of the above (4) to (6), wherein,

the light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting units having different emission colors, and

the lighting device further includes a light incident area switching unit that switches an area where light is incident for at least one light emitting unit.

(12)

The lighting device according to the above (11), wherein,

the light incidence area switching unit switches an area where light is incident for all the light emitting units in the light source unit.

(13)

The lighting device according to any one of the above (1) to (12), wherein,

the plurality of areas are obtained by unevenly dividing the phase modulating surface.

(14)

The lighting device according to the above (13), wherein,

the phase modulation unit includes, as regions, a blue light region on which blue light from the light source unit is incident, and a non-blue light region on which light having a longer wavelength than the blue light is incident, and

the size of the blue light region is greater than the size of the non-blue light region.

(15)

The lighting device according to the above (2), wherein,

the blue light region is located inside the non-blue light region.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1. 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F projection device

2. 2A, 2B, 2C light source unit

2r, 2g, 2b, 2y, 2c light emitting units

3. 3' phase modulating SLM

4 relay optical system

41. 43, 44 lens

42. Diffusion sheet

5. Prism

6. 6-1, 6-2, 6' intensity modulation SLM

7 projection lens

8. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D control unit

9. Light source control unit

10. Target intensity distribution calculation unit

11. Phase pattern calculation unit

12. 13 drive control unit

14. Intensity pattern calculation unit

15. 15' light entry control unit

20. Light shift unit

20a rotating shaft

21. 22 wedge type optical element

Sp intensity modulating surface

Sm phase modulating surface

Sd virtual surface

Ar region

Ar1 first region

Ar2 second region

Ar3 third region

Dpr basic phase distribution

Dpa, dpa1, dpa2, dpa3 region basic phase distribution

30. Light source unit

31. Integrator optical system

31a first fly eye lens

31b second fly-eye lens

32. Polarization conversion element

32a open hole

32b half-wave plate

33. 34, 35, 37 condenser lenses

36 multiplexing elements.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising:

a light source unit including a light emitting unit emitting light;

a phase modulation unit that performs spatial light phase modulation on incident light from the light source unit; and

and a control unit that makes light from the light source unit incident for each of the areas at different timings, and starts modulation driving for each of the areas at a timing before a light incidence period, for a plurality of areas obtained by dividing a phase modulation surface of the phase modulation unit.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein,

the phase modulation unit performs spatial light phase modulation for each of the regions in the following manner: a lens effect is imparted to each of the regions, the lens effect being operative to change at least one of a direction and a beam size of an emitted beam from the region.

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein,

the phase modulation unit is a reflective spatial light phase modulator.

4. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein,

the illumination device is configured as a projector device, the projector device comprising:

an intensity modulation unit that performs spatial light intensity modulation on the image reproduced by the phase modulation unit, and

and a projection unit that projects the reproduced image modulated by the spatial light intensity of the intensity modulation unit on a target surface.

5. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein,

6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein,

7. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein,

as subframes, there are subframes of three or more colors, and

in the spatial light intensity modulation period of the intensity modulation unit for subframes of at least two colors, the control unit makes light of a composite color of at least the two colors incident on one of the regions from the light source unit, and performs spatial light phase modulation with a modulation pattern corresponding to the composite color.

8. The lighting device of claim 7, further comprising:

two of said intensity modulation units, wherein,

the number of divisions of the region in the phase modulation unit is two,

in one frame period, one of the intensity modulation units performs spatial light intensity modulation of a red sub-frame in a first sub-frame period and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue sub-frame in a second sub-frame period,

another one of the intensity modulation units performs spatial light intensity modulation of a green sub-frame in the first sub-frame period and performs spatial light intensity modulation of a blue sub-frame in the second sub-frame period, and

the control unit

In the first sub-frame period, yellow light of a composite color of red and green is made incident on one of the areas of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow, and

In the second subframe period, blue light is made incident on the other of the areas of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to blue.

9. The lighting device of claim 7, wherein,

the intensity modulation unit performs spatial light intensity modulation of red in a first subframe period within one frame period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of green subframe in a second subframe period consecutive to the first subframe period, performs spatial light intensity modulation of blue in a third subframe period, and performs spatial light intensity modulation of green subframe in a fourth subframe period consecutive to the third subframe period, and

the division number of the regions in the phase modulation unit is two, and the control unit

In the first and second sub-frame periods, yellow light as a composite color of red and green is made incident on one of the areas of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to yellow, and

in the third sub-frame period and the fourth sub-frame period, cyan light, which is a composite light of blue and green, is made incident on the other of the areas of the phase modulation unit from the light source unit, and spatial light phase modulation is performed with a modulation pattern corresponding to cyan.

10. The lighting device of claim 7, wherein,

as subframes, there are subframes of three colors of red, blue, and green, and the control unit

Spatial light phase modulation is performed on at least the one of the areas with a modulation pattern corresponding to white, which is a composite color of red, blue, and green.

11. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein,

the light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting units having different emission colors, and the lighting apparatus further includes a light incident area switching unit that switches an area on which light is to be incident for at least one of the light emitting units.

12. The lighting device of claim 11, wherein,

the light incidence area switching unit switches the area where light is to be incident for all the light emitting units in the light source unit.

13. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein,

a plurality of the areas are obtained by unevenly dividing the phase modulating surface.

14. The lighting device of claim 13, wherein,

the phase modulation unit includes, as the regions, a blue light region on which blue light from the light source unit is incident, and a non-blue light region on which light from the light source unit having a longer wavelength than the blue light is incident, and

15. The lighting device of claim 2, wherein,

the blue light region is located inside the non-blue light region.